Hammond 44 Melodion: Finally, A Hammond That Truly Blows
Let's get one thing out of the way: a Melodion, I'm pretty sure, is actually a diatonic, accordion-style button-organ. The new Hammond 44 Melodion is, in fact, an acoustic electric Melodica. OK. Moving on.
"If you’ve ever been envious of sax players, guitarists or harp players who stand at the front of the stage and really get into it," says Hammond, "now YOU HAVE THAT CHANCE (emphasis theirs)." I had though that this particular issue was addressed about 25 years ago with the Keytar, but apparently that era wasn't embarrassing enough for keyboardists to make them realize that they should just hand out upstage-right behind their stacks of synths. Say hello to the nerd-chiciest instrument ever released -- the Hammond 44 Melodion.
The 44 was manufactured in conjunction with Suzuki Instruments, and features 44 keys spanning from c to g3. The reeds are newly designed, tapered-tabs that produce a warmer sound than most other Melodi(cas/ons).
The "coolest" feature on the 44, however, is the inclusion of a built-in dynamic mic and integrated 1/4" output that allows the player to play the 44 through a variety of amplifiers and effects designed for guitar,bass or keyboard. The internal microphone placement also results in less operating noise than would a close-up, external microphone.
The Hammond 44 Melodion come with a case, polishing cloth, and three different mouthpieces that allow the instrument to be played in different, hilarious positions. Strap buttons on the Melodion allow for use of a guitar strap, a hand-strap makes trumpet-style play easy, and there's even non-slip feet on the instrument's underside for table-top placement.
Pricing and availability are still TBA on this sweet blow organ.
If Hammond invents the
If Hammond invents the Glockenspion they will totally corner the wimpy post-ironic twee indie market.
Hammond is not a company that you can trust
The company that has taken over for the honorable predecessor has bastardized that company's good name.
I was given this product as a gift and the experience became a nightmare. After realizing that the output was not working I contacted the Hammond dealer who sold it and they tried to inquire with Hammond about a replacement. After weeks of not hearing from them they refused to replace the unit with a new one, at which point I returned this piece of crap for a full refund.
It is shocking that a company who is trying to promote a new product that couldn't have sold more than a few hundred units couldn't be bothered to deal with a customer who had been sold a bunk product. This company does not care about the consumer and you would be well advised not to trust your hard-earned dollars with these people.
They should stick to making and selling motorcycles.
Not the same Suzuki
Hammond-Suzuki is not the same Suzuki that does the motorcycles or cars or outboard engines. Suzuki is a very common name in Japan. That said. their customer service leaves a lot to be desired if your experience is widespread.
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